With the January transfer window well and truly underway, Aston Villa They are said to be in danger of losing someone Unai EmeryStar men amid Barcelona's recent contacts.
Aston Villa transfer news
It's a big month for the Villans and their Champions League ambitions. On the pitch, they struggled to reach their peak under Emery, but they managed to achieve important results nonetheless. Having lost just one of their last four games in a run that included a 2-1 defeat of Manchester City, it was Leon Bailey's first goal of the season that put the Villa Park side in high spirits again against Leicester City last time out.
The winger's goal is timely too, given how his place is in jeopardy amid reports Aston Villa is seeking the signature of Borussia Dortmund's Donyll Malen This month. A surprise return to form could instantly save Villa a lot of money and put Emery's side back on track to qualify for European football for the second successive season.
However, it's not just revenues that the Midlands club have to worry about. According to what was reported by Sport in Spain. Barcelona have now made contact with John DoranThe club's representatives are demanding to secure his signature as soon as this month as their failure to sign Dani Olmo threatens to derail a strong first season under Hansi Flick.
He will often have to settle for a place on Emery's bench, and it will be interesting to see if that is possible. rotation He would be able to resist Barcelona's potential pursuit and if the La Liga giants have the funds to welcome such a player from a fellow Champions League side this month.
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the £75,000 per week The striker is certainly worth watching, as his performances have pushed him beyond the substitute role throughout the current campaign.
“Special” Duran has a big decision to make
There has been no bigger headache for Emery this season than the decision to field Ollie Watkins or Doran. The former has enjoyed a strong season and is arguably doing better off the ball than his rivals, but there is no denying the goal-scoring ability of the latter, who will not want to settle for a place on the bench forever. .
What is currently a luxury for those at Villa Park could quickly become a problem and there is no doubt that Duran has the right decision to make, especially if Barcelona come calling this month.
|
Premier League statistics 24/25 (via FBref) |
John Doran |
Ollie Watkins |
|---|---|---|
|
It starts |
4 |
16 |
|
Objectives |
7 |
8 |
|
Helps |
0 |
4 |
|
Expected goals |
4.8 |
10.3 |
These numbers strengthen Duran's case for a starting place even further, as he has seven goals to his name despite netting just four Premier League Starts throughout the season. Emery is certainly aware of this quality, having praised his striker extensively since his arrival.
Speaking after the turnover double against Liverpool last season, Emery He told reporters, as reported by BeIN Sports: “John Doran is a special player. We have to try to help him. He is a good guy, and he needs a team to support him. He meets our demands better. He was very decisive and today was important for him.”